“I personally believe that the India Indonesia relationship is moving forward and in certain areas where we had some concerns, which is the imbalance in the trade, the president has taken or made efforts to make sure that, you know, in some way or the other, that imbalance is corrected.”
Sandeep Chakravorty, India’s Ambassador in Indonesia, was a guest on The Gist, looking back on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jakarta last week and the outcomes.
He pointed to the president’s order of 105,000 commercial vehicles from Tata Motors and Mahindra. This is one of India’s largest commercial vehicles export order.
“So he was very clear that, you know, we have to buy things, which India makes, you know, what’s the point of talking about trying to bring in balance in trade with and not buying anything from India?”
President Prabowo Subianto was also acknowledging a point: something which could work for 1.4 billion people, may well work for Indonesia. The latter is trying to implement India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce, it is also linking up with India’s UPI and opening the doors to Indian investment in stainless steel manufacturing.
While Indonesia has taken time to make up its mind about developing Sabang Port in Aceh with Indian help, the Great Nicobar Port project may have helped speed up a decision.
“Whether it becomes a fishing port or whether it becomes a referral port, you know that decision is primarily Indonesian. And then we’ll see how we can support, whether it will be Government to Government or a private sector driven initiative,” Ambassador Chakravorty said.
As for defence deals like the Brahmos, “these are decided conceptually … sometimes discussions may not result in outcomes. And sometimes outcomes may vary depending on requirements and all that. But what I can say is that contracts have been signed or are in the process of being signed and we are waiting for work orders.”
They are not preparing for war, he said they are a very blessed country, they do not have adversaries. But that doesn’t mean that they they will put their guard down or they will not be prepared. Strategic thinking requires Indonesia to acquire missile systems, advanced jet aircraft.
Tune in for more in this conversation with Sandeep Chakravorty, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia.
